Minister of Fire2.

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especially since the 16 month old splits I was picking up from the wood stack felt really light. So, I ordered a moisture meter last week and it got here today. Went ahead and split open a decent sized split and pretty much didn't even need to use the moisture meter. I could feel how damp it was on the inside and the inside was still the same color as the outside was the day we split the wood September 2011.

Anyway, decided to give the new moisture meter a go and the $20 moisture meter said 31%. D'oh. Not ready yet.

Minister of Fire2.

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We TOLD YOU.
You never listen.
I had a couple splits 2 days ago that hissed for a minute. It was....you guessed it, OAK. Over 2 years c/s/s in the field, in single rows, with lots of sun and wind.
Most is fine, but every once in a while..........

Minister of Fire2.

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That's when its cut green it takes 2-3 years to burn properly. Standing snags or deadfall can be good to go the same day or in 6-12 months after bucking/splitting/stacking depending on size of log,tree condition & location.

Minister of Fire2.

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I've got some 14 month old Oak that I've been eyeing because we may run short.......I've pulled a couple of the uglie peices from the top, and they burn pretty darn good....no hissing.....pulled a couple of splits off the top also, reading 18% on a fresh split on some, and 27% on others (stack in an area that gets sun, and breeze all day). I'll burn the uglies in a hot stove for now just to stretch the supply, but my plan is to leave the rest for another 2 years....just gotta get thru this season.

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride !"

Feeling the Heat2.

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Before I learned that oak required a lengthy aging, I had burned tw oaok trees in my old "smoke dragon" (dried probaby 5-6 months) and I thought it was worthless stuff. I wish I had those back now so I could age them right. Out here in Kansas oak has been a little hard to come by.

Osburn 2400 Insert - first fired April 5th, 2012.
Did it myself with the help of family, friends, and this forum.

Feeling the Heat2.

NULL

Wow, this thread is killing my buzz. I had a massive red oak score today. Four full pickup loads of rounds. Guess it'll be 2015 before it will ever see the stove. Naaaaa, still very happy with my score.

Minister of Fire2.

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Wow, this thread is killing my buzz. I had a massive red oak score today. Four full pickup loads of rounds. Guess it'll be 2015 before it will ever see the stove. Naaaaa, still very happy with my score.

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Lately, oak is the only thing I have been trying to get now. I'll get far enough ahead to age the stuff correctly. Might have to burn 30 month old stuff next year, but we shall see how it all goes. If I can get on something that will age quicker, I will get some of that for next year and age the oak even more. Patience is a virtue.

Minister of Fire2.

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Wow, this thread is killing my buzz. I had a massive red oak score today. Four full pickup loads of rounds. Guess it'll be 2015 before it will ever see the stove. Naaaaa, still very happy with my score.

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Think of it as money in the bank . Go out and find some silver maple and cherry to make do until the oak is ready. If You do that , You'll really appreciate the wait .Wet oak is pretty much worthless , properly seasoned , it's top shelf .

Minister of Fire2.

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I've got about 3 cords stacked....mixed white and red. Never had a lot of oak around because the place I cut just did not have much in the wood lot. Got into a couple new areas last year.....it'll sit till at least 14-15 I've got another 14 cords and lots more to cut.

"If your wife is fully dressed you need another log on the fire"
Buck 91 on the hearth
Old air tight stove "The Fire Boss" (retired)

Member2.

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especially since the 16 month old splits I was picking up from the wood stack felt really light. So, I ordered a moisture meter last week and it got here today. Went ahead and split open a decent sized split and pretty much didn't even need to use the moisture meter. I could feel how damp it was on the inside and the inside was still the same color as the outside was the day we split the wood September 2011.

Anyway, decided to give the new moisture meter a go and the $20 moisture meter said 31%. D'oh. Not ready yet.

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Yup, last year we started to burn a stack of 2 year old red oak, and was suprised to see it hiss and sizzle. Decided to give it more time and it was the right move. This year (3) it is burning great, even lights up fast when thrown on coals.

Minister of Fire2.

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Hey guys, don't forget that you can burn soft maple 6 months after being split.

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Yeah, I was gonna reply to rudy that as long as he doesn't split the Cherry too big, it'll be OK. Dries pretty fast but it's no soft Maple. I was happy to get the Silver recently, and I'm on the lookout for more...

Minister of Fire2.

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A lot of this wood drying stuff depends on where you stack it, I have a spot on the highest point of my yard where the snow always melts first, since its high it gets wind from all directions, I stacked two cords of oak there and in two years its 20%, its been burning great, no hiss or sizzle, Ive officially designated that area as my oak drying area.

Minister of Fire2.

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We have so much wood around here from our own downed Sandy trees that there is STILL ash/oak the township cut into chunks everywhere. My neighbor and I are thinking about taking a ride around to get it but haven't yet. This time last year, people were stealing our wood, I have stacks, well really piles to be stacked, literally right along the road and not one piece taken. We are just running out of room to stack! Especially for a 3 year oak commitment even though we know it's worth the wait!